Ghana

And now, let’s start looking at what may be worth paying attention for 2012. I will shortly write a detailed post looking at political trends that may be important this year, but in the meanwhile, here’s a cultural note.

The azonto dance is becoming hugely popular in Ghana (I first learnt about it a few weeks ago, when a Malawian high school friend staying there posted on Facebook the video below, and said it was the craze there). And it seems it’s also increasingly popular online. So will azonto take over the dance world in 2012?

Important day for Ghana, as the country is set to pump its first oil out of the ground. The discovery of such natural resources should be something to celebrate, as it will increase the economy of the country.
Nonetheless, this also carries a potential danger, as some analysts have pointed out, given the absence of a clear legal framework (the Petroleum Bill drafted was scrapped by the new government when came to power) and an independent regulator. All of which can increase the potential for non-transparent activities and for oil revenues not to benefit the Ghanaian people as much as it should (or even increasing the country’s debt). And adding to the concerns about the accountability of Ghanaian public officials, the Guardian reveals today “wikileaked” documents that detail the extent to which drug trafficking affect the country’s institutions.